Thin flexible magnetic switch



May 14, 1968 'RQ WIENER 3,383,487

THIN FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC SWITCH 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July 18, 1966 6 f;5@ Vj?! f5? i 50 5g 5@ :l

Z l@3 5 a 52C 52C 742C 7% 74 May 14, 1968 R.W|ENER 3,383,487

THIN FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC SWITCH Filed July 18, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet S May14, 1968 R. WIENER 3,383,487

THIN FLEXIBLE MAGNETIC SWITCH Filed July 18, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 3United States Patent Otlce 3,33,487 Patented May 14, 1968 3,383,487 THINFLEXIBLE MAGNETIC SWITGII Robert Wiener, 295@ Governor Drive, San Diego,Calif. 921.22 Filed July 18, 1966, Ser.. No. 565,677 22 Claims. (El.2613-168) ABSTRACT F THE DISCIIGSURE A switch having exible insulatingwalls and internal flexible contacts, either printed circuit oradhesively secured, the switch being extremely thin.

This invention relates to the art of electric switches, and particularlyto a switch made by printed circuit techniques.

Electric switches as heretofore manufactured have generally required agreat number of separate parts, including biasing springs, and haverequired individual assembly of such parts. They have not beenparticularly Well adapted to mass production techniques. As will beappreciated, there are many installations in which switches must besealed. The normal arcing and sparking attendant upon opening andclosing electric switches cannot be tolerated in an explosiveatmosphere. Conversely, the arcing and sparking of switches causesdeterioration ot the contact surfaces thereof. It is known that switchlife can be prolonged by sealing the switch contacts in an inertatmosphere. As will be appreciated, this also removes danger in anexplosive atmosphere. However, prior art techniques for sealing switcheshave been relatively complicated and diliicult, and have addedmaterially to the cost of such switches.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simplied electricswitch.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an electricswitch of extremely simple and inexpensive construction, andparticularly one which is well adapted to sealing from the atmosphere.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a switch ofextremely versatile construction which is readily modified to effectdifferent results and for different installations.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide a switchwhich is physically safe, i.e., devoid of projecting knobs, levers, etc.for actuation.

Other and further Objects and advantages of the present invention willbe apparent from the following description when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. l is a bottom plan view of one part of a switch constructed inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the structure of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a bottom View thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view thereof on a somewhat enlarged andexaggerated scale;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the completed switch;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the switch as taken along theline 6-6 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the parts in a diliqerentposition of operation;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing a slightly modified switch;

FIG. 9 is a side View of the switch of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line lll-Ii, in FIG. 8;

FIG. 1l is a view similar to FIG. l0 showing the parts in a differentposition of operation;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. l1 showing a modification instructure;

FIG. 13 is a view generally similar to FIG. 1 but showing a moditiedswitch;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the switch of FIG. I3;

FIG. l5 is a longitudinal sectional view as taken substantially alongthe line I5-I5 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the completed switch according to FIGS. l3-l5,part being brolten away for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the switch of FIG. 16;

FIG. I8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line It-IS in FIG.

FIG. 19 is an oblique cross-sectional view as taken substantially alongthe line 19e-I9 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an electric wiring diagram corresponding to the switch ofFIGS. 16-19;

FIG. 2l is a longitudinal sectional view through a modified form of theswitch before completion of the switch, as taken substantially along theline ZI-ZI in FIG. 22;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan View of the partial Switch of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view ofthe switch;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the switch of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the switch of FIGS. 23 and 24,being taken substantally along the line 25--25 in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the switch of FIGS. 23-25 with anelectromagnetic operator there-for;

FIG. 27 is a view taken from the right side of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27 showing a modilication adapted formanual operation;

FIG. 29 is a side View of the device of FIG. 28, being similar to FIG.27 but reversed;

FIG. 30 is a side or sectional View such as of an auto dashboard showinga modiication or incorporation of the switch of FIGS. 23-25, etc.;

FIG. 3l is a front View of the switch arrangement of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a view partly iu section showing a modification of theinvention with electromagnetic operation;

FIG. 33 is a sectional View of a switch generally similar to FIG. 32,but including a flexible tube operating as a peristalic pump takensubstantially along the line 33-33 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 34 is a view at right angles to FIG. 33 as taken substantiallyalong the line 34% 34 in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of a fluid logic circuit using switch constructedin accordance with the principles of my present invention;

FIG. 36 is a sectional view through the iluid logic circuit of FIG. 35as taken substantially along the line 36--3 therein; and

FIG. 37 is a view partly in section showing switches according to thepresent invention built into a glove for use in a hostile environment,for example, in an astronauts glove.

Referring now in greater particularity to the drawings, and first toFIGS. 1--', there will be seen a square or rectangular plastic sheet orfilm designated generally by the numeral 5h. The plastic material may beany of several flexible plastics of high strength and substantialflexibiiity, Mylar, Teflon, Kel-films and the like being preferredexamples, ranging from about l mil to l mils in thickness. A metal strip52 is fixed on one face of the plastic sheet or film 50, extending toone margin thereof at 5st, and terminating short of the opposite marginthereof at S5. In the present embodiment of the invention, the striplies along the longitudinal center line of the plastic sheet or film.The metal strip can be adhesively or otherwise secured to the plasticsheet, but preferably it is attached or affixed to the sheet by knownprinted circuit techniques. In any event, the metal strip 52 is in mestinstances no thicker than foil, and is readily flexible, as is theplastic sheet.

A rectangular section of the plastic sheet 5u is depressed from theplane thereof as shown at 53 in FIG. 4. 'Ibis is shown in FIG. 4 asbeing a rather definite rectangular shape, but as will appear presently,this is not essential, and is not necessarily typical. It is shown thisway for convenience in drawing. A section of the conductive strip orfoil 52 is displaced with the rectangular section. Typically, theconductive strip or foil is of copper, but other non-ferrous or ferrousmetals or other conductive materials are within the purview of thepresent invention.

As will be seen, the offset section 58 leaves a narrow margin on twosides at 6h and 62 and one end at 64, a larger margin 66 being left onthe other end.

The structure as heretofore shown and described, particularly with`regard to FIG. 4, comprises a half-switch, hereinafter identified bythe numeral 68. Two of the halfswitches 68 are relatively turnedend-to-end, and are inverted relative to one another, having theconcavities formed by the depressed or displaced sections 58 confrontingone another and aligned with one another. For the sake of showing theparts as brought together, the numerals heretofore used are applied inFIGS. 5-7 with suffixes -1 or -2 to distinguish one half-switch from theother half-switch. The conductive strips SZ-l and 52-2 arelongitudinally aligned with one another, and overlap one another end toend. The margins dll-1 and 62-2 lie face-toface, as do the margins 6ft-2and 62-1- Similarly, the margin 64-2 overlies the margin 66-1, while themargin 64-1 underlies the margin 66-2. All of these margins are securedtogether, preferably by heat sealing, although a cement or otheradhesive is contemplated. As will be appreciated, nitrogen or some othersuitable inert gas can be introduced into the space it) between the twohalfswitches, thereby producing a pillow type of switch with thecontacts in an inert atmosphere. The shaping of the plastic material andthe gas trapped therein holds the surfaces or displaced portions 53-1and SS-Z normally apart from one another as in FIG. 6. This produces anormally open switch 72 shown both physically and electrically in FIG.6. If a force is exerted on the opposite surfaces of this switch, suchas by pinching between the thumb and forefinge-r, or otherwise, asindicated by the large arrows in FIG. 7, then the overlapping ends ofthe conductive strips SZ-l and 52-2 are brought into engagement, thusclosing the switch. When the pressure is removed, the resiliency of theplastic material and the restoring effect of the gas trapped within theconfines of the switch moves the strips out of engagement with oneanother, thereby reopening the switch.

It is contemplated that the plastic material would not necessarily haveto he shaped to produce the depression or offset at SS before assemblyof the sheets. Rather, the sheets simply could be sealed together at theedges, with gas or air under somewhat greater than atmospheric pressurebeing introduced between the sheets prior to completion of the sealingthereof. As will be seen in FIG. 5 the end portions of the conductivestrip 51l and 551-2 are exposed on the surface, and lead wires 74; aresoldered or otherwise suitably fixed to the conductive strip forincorporation of the switch 72 in a circuit.

A modification of the switch is shown in FIGS. 9-11.

To avoid multiplicity of description and confusing numbering, the samenumerals are used herein with the addition of the suffix o. Thedifference in this instance is that the plastic material is so shapedthat the contact strips Sla-I and 52a-2 initially are in contact, asshown in FIG. l0, thus producing a normally closed switch 72a. It willbe apparent that internal pressure slightly less than atmospheric may beused to help hold the contacts in engagement. Lateral pressure asindicated by the larger arrows in FIG. ll momentarily opens the switch.

The modification of the invention as illustrated in FIG. l2 is similarto that in FIGS. 5-7, similar numerals being used with the addition ofthe suffix b. The only difference is that the switch is not sealed, anda small throttling oritice or hole 76 is provided in one of the offsetportions 535-2 of the plastic material. The interior of the switchobviously has air in it rather than an inert gas. When the switch isclosed, some or most of the air is expelled through the orifice '76.When the pressure is released from the switch, air must enter throughthe orifice to allow the contact strips to move apart, and this delaysthe reopening of the switch. The time delay can be pre-determined inaccordance with the resiliency of the plastic and the size of theorifice.

The invention as heretofore shown and described has been in the natureof a single-pole, single-throw switch. The invention also contemplatesthe provision of a multipie-pole, single-throw switch, with the variouspoles closeable one at a time, or in any desired combination. Such amodification of the switch is shown in FIGS. 13-20. Prolixity ofdescription again is avoided by duplicating numerals, this time with theaddition of the suffix c. Thus, in FIGS. 13-l5, there will be seen threestrips 52e of conductive material deposited on the plastic film or sheetStic. Apertures 8l? are provided in the plastic film immediatelyopposite the enlargements 73 at the ends of the strips 52C for theattachment of lead wires as will be apparent shortly.

Turning to FIGS. 16-20, the switch formed from the half-switches @8c ofFIGS. 13-15 is shown. The two switch halves are in concave, face-to-facerelation, as with the previous switches, but the two halves are turnedrelative to one another, rather than Thus, the conductive strips 52c-1and S20-2 cross one another, rather than being in overlapping alignmentwith one another. Accordingly, there is a total of nine single-pole,singlethrow switches. Each of the conductive strips 52c-1 is selectivelyengageable with any of the three conductive strips SEC-2. As is shown inFIG. 19, pressure is exerted on the opposite faces of the switch tobring only two of the overlapped positions together, as indicated by thelarge arrows. As will be understood, others of the overlapped contactscould be brought together, and this can be done selectively in singleengagements or in multiple engagements, as the occasion may demand.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 21-25 is generallysimilar to those heretofore shown and described, and similar numeralsagain are used in many instances, this time with the addition of thesuffix d. Rather than having two like switch sections assembled inconfronting relation, in the present embodiment there is only oneplastic sheet 50d. This comprises, in the position shown in FIGS. 2l and22, a left-hand section 82 and a right-hand section S4, lying on eitherside of a transverse axis or center line 86. The right-hand side orsection 84 is provided with a longitudinally extending strip 8d havingat the left end thereof a depending enlargement 9d. In mirror imagerelation thereto about the longitudinal center line of the plastic film50d there is a longitudinally extending strip 92 having an upperprojection or enlargement 94, the two enlargements 99 and 94 extendingtoward one another in spaced relation, and lying completely to the rightof the center line S6.

The left-hand plastic section 82 is provided with an enlargement ordisplaced section 58d of circular nature.

faces of spaced plastic sheets in accordance with the previousdescriptions set forth herein. Wires 162 are connected to the contacts156. As will be understood, when fluid is diverted to one or the otherof the outlets 148, 150, the condition of the switch 72h is reversed.For example, the switch 72h can be of the type which is normally closed.With an unrestricted outlet 150, when iiuid is diverted to this outlet,the lateral pressure due to Bernouli action will be decreased, and theswitch will be opened. Conversely, the normally opened switch could beused with an odutlet 150 having a restricting orifice connecting it toatmosphere or to exhaust. When fluid is diverted to the outlet 1.5i?, aslight external pressure on the switch 72h will cause it to close.

Turning now to FIG. 37, there will be seen a human hand 164 in anair-tight glove 166 for use in a hostile environment, such as in outerspace, or beneath the surface of a body of water. Switches '721' inaccordance with any of the previous teachings herein, such as thenormally opened single-pole, single-throw switches of FlGS. -7 areincorporated adjacent the tips of the lingers and thumb of the glove,and are connected to a wiring harness 166. The fingers can be pressedtogether in various manners to close selected ones of the switches, orthe fingers can be pressed against the body or some other part of theenviromnent to close the switches selectively.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that l have disclosed a superiorswitch which is inexpensive and rugged, and which is readily sealedagainst the atmosphere or other external environment. The switch is madequite inexpensively by the use of known printed circuit techniques. Itis contemplated that the switches need not be made one at a time, butthat a great many could be made simultaneously from large sheets ofplastic and the switches could then be cut apart by dies.

The specific embodiments of the invention as herein shown and describedare for illustrative purposes. Various changes will no doubt occur tothose skilled in the art, and will be understood as forming a part ofthe present invention insofar as they fall within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. An electric switch comprising a pair of single-thickness sections ofinsulating material at least one of which is resilient and ofsubstantially uniform thickness, said sections being joined togethersubstantially peripherally and having spaced interior areas each ofpredetermined contours, and at least one conductive element on theinternal area of each insulating material section and conforming to thecorresponding predetermined contour, said conductive elements beingsubstantially no thicker than the thickness of said resilient insulatingmaterial and being flexible therewith, said conductive elements beingselectively engageable and non-engageable with one another uponselective deflection of said resilient section of insulating material.

2. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sections ofinsulating material comprise plastic sheets, and wherein the conductiveelements comprise printed circuit conductive elements.

3. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein both sections ofinsulating material are flexible, and wherein said conductive elementsare strips which partially overlap.

4. An electric switch as set forth in claim 3 wherein the strips arealined and overlap in end-to-end relation, extending in oppositedirections.

5. An electric switch as set forth in claim 3 wherein a strip on onesection of insulating material is disposed transversely of an insulatingstrip on the other section of insulating material.

6. An electric switch as set forth in claim 3 wherein there is aplurality of conductive strips on each section of insulating material.

7. An electric switch as set forth in claim 6 wherein the strips on onesection of insulating material are -disposed transverse of the strips onthe other section of insulating material, each strip thereby beingcapable of engaging any of a plurality of opposite strips.

8. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sections areperipherally sealed together with gas trapped therebetween.

9. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein the two sectionsof insulating material are subsantially sealed together peripherally,there being a restricted aperture in one of said sections throttling airflow in and out of the switch and controlling the movement of saidresilient section.

10. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein both sections ofinsulating material are resilient, said switch being of pillow-likeconstruction having relatively large opposite faces, said conductiveelements being normally spaced apart and brought into engagement bypressure on said faces.

11. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein both of saidsections of insulating material are resilient, the switch being ofpillow-like construction having opposite faces and peripheral edges,said conductive elements normally being in engagement with one anotherand moved out of engagement by opposing pressure on said peripheraledges.

12. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein both of saidsections comprise an integral sheet of plastic material folded over onitself.

13. An electric switch as set forth in claim 12 wherein there are twoconductive elements on the internal area of one insulating materialsection and one conductive element on the other insulating materialsection serving as a shorting bar for the two conductive elements on theother section.

14. An electric switch as set forth in claim 13 wherein the two sectionsof insulating material comprise a single sheet of plastic folded over onitself.

15. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 and further includingelectromagnetic means for operating said switch.

16. An electric switch as set forth in claim 15 wherein theelectromagnetic operating means includes an external plunger engageablewith one of said sections of insulating material.

17. An electric switch as set forth in claim 15, wherein one of theconductive elements comprises magnetic material, and further includingexternal magnetic means acting thereon.

18. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 wherein each section hasa plurality of like conductive elements, the conductive elementscomprising a plurality of separately actuable poles, said sections ofinsulating material being pellucid, and a plurality of lightstherebehind corresponding to the respective poles.

19. An electric switch as set forth in claim 1 in combination with a uidlogic circuit having various passageways including dischargepassageways, said switch being located in one of said discharge passagesand actuated by pressure differential relative to ambient.

20. A plurality of similar switches as set forth in claim 1 incombination with a glove, said switches being mounted adjacent fingerpositions inside said glove for respective actuation by finger pressure.

21. An electric switch comprising a pair of sections of insulatingmaterial, said sections of said insulating material being peripherallyjoined together, at least one of said sections having an outwardlyoffset central portion providing spaced, confronting first and secondinterior areas on said pair of sections, a iirst electric contact lyingon one internal area, a second contact lying between said first contactand said second internal area, said second contact being of magneticmaterial, and external electromagnetic means acting on said second con-Q tact to vary the condition of engagement with said lirst contact.

22. An electric switch as set forth in claim 21 and further including aloop of resilient tubing having a pair of legs lying on opposite sidesof said second contact and alternately compressed between said secondcontact and said first and second internal areas to produce a pumpingaction.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,138,549 11/1938 La Bell 200-86Horton 200-86 Gleisen 200-83 Beck et al 200-153 Marasco et al 200-168Greene 200-83 Miller et al 335--131 Pridham et al. 200-166 Russo 335-13110 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner.

H. O. I ONES, Assistant Examiner.

